Running shoe trends seem to come and go, but it seems like the maximalist, high cushion craze may be here to stay. Running shoe brands are adding more and more plush cushioning to their training shoes, and runners and walkers seem to be loving the extra protection and comfort found in these max cushion designs.
And this shift towards high cushion, cloud-like running shoes doesn’t just apply to road shoes. More and more trail shoes are leaning into this high cushion philosophy, offering a high stack of foam to protect you from technical trails and keep you feeling comfortable and supported on trail runs or hikes.
Very few shoes exemplify this maximalist philosophy more than the Asics Trabuco Max. Now on its 5th iteration, this cushioned trail shoe is designed to provide advanced protection, grip, and comfort as you tackle trail runs or lengthy hikes on a wide range of terrains.
The Trabuco Max 5 incorporates lots of the same comfortable and functional features as its predecessors with a few key updates. In this review, we’ll highlight all these features – both old and new – and cover how they feel and perform when we take to the trails.
Want to learn more about this max cushion trail shoe from Asics? Keep reading for all our thoughts and feedback on the newest Trabuco Max.
Our Review Process
From road to trails and everything in between, our Marathon Sports team is excited to help you find the right shoe for all your fitness needs.
Typically, for every shoe review, our review team takes each new model on a variety of runs for the best possible insight into how every feature performs. And while we still completed a wide range of runs on our own in the Trabuco Max 5, we were able to do something a little different to gain even more feedback on this trail shoe.
Marathon Sports partnered with Asics for a trail field trip in Pawtuckaway Park in New Hampshire. A wide range of runners, with all different trail running experiences and abilities, were able to demo the new Trabuco Max 5 on trails and offer feedback on their favorite elements.
Through our own personal testing and research, plus additional insight from other runners, we were able to truly understand who might enjoy the Trabuco Max 5 and who may want to consider a different trail shoe option.
The Trabuco Max 5: Specs and Highlights
Throughout this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at how the Trabuco Max 5’s features feel and perform. But first, here’s a quick rundown of the key specs.
- Max cushion trail shoe designed for light-to-moderate trail terrain
- Stack height: 38.5/33.5 mm (M), 37.5/32.5 mm (W)
- 5 mm heel-to-toe offset
- Weight: 10.6 oz (M), 9.3 oz (W)
- Midsole unit made up of a high stack of Asics’ lightweight and responsive FF Blast Plus foam
- Proprietary ASICSGRIP rubber outsole with 3.5 mm lugs provide effective grip on a wide range of different surfaces
- Pronounced GUIDESOLE technology rolls you through each stride for smooth, effortless transitions
- Engineered jacquard mesh upper is lightweight and incorporates water repellent fibers to keep feet dry and comfortable
- Created with sustainable, bio-based materials
- Price: $170
Asics Trabuco Max 5: A Full Breakdown
Now that you know what features can be found in the new Trabuco Max, let’s take a closer look at each element and how it plays a role in delivering max comfort and protection on the trails.
FF Blast Plus Midsole
There’s no getting around the fact that the Trabuco Max 5 is a lot of shoe. Men’s shoes have 38.5 mm of foam in the heel and 33.5 mm in the forefoot, and women’s shoes have 37.5 mm in the heel and 32.5 mm in the forefoot. This is a high stack height – particularly for a trail shoe designed to take you through uneven terrain – so there’s plenty of protection and shock absorption through each stride.
This midsole is made up of FF Blast Plus cushioning, a lightweight and energetic foam designed to deliver reliable comfort. Instead of the cloud-like comfort you may expect with so much cushioning, this midsole is relatively firm and dense for more efficiency on long trail runs.
ASICSGRIP Outsole
One of the most crucial elements in any trail shoe is the outsole. Whether your offroad miles include rocks, mud, or other technical surfaces, you want an outsole that keeps you feeling confident and secure with each step.
Luckily, the proprietary ASICSGRIP outsole offers dependable grip that provides this stability and security on a wide variety of trails. The rubber provides exceptional traction and increases durability so you can enjoy miles and miles of wear, no matter where your adventures take you.
The 3.5 mm lugs aren’t particularly aggressive, but do a good job of gripping the ground on anything from light-to-moderate trails. They’re also strategically placed to enhance grip on any off-road terrain and in any weather conditions.
Upgraded Mesh Upper and Fit
Like its predecessor, the Trabuco Max 5 features a lightweight and breathable engineered mesh upper. The extra heel and tongue padding, as well as the secure fit through the midfoot, keep you feeling comfortable and locked in during long days out on the trails.
But Asics did make some improvements in the upper, including the incorporation of water repellent fibers into the upper construction. When you’re running through mud or wet terrain, this water-resistant upper repels and quickly drains any moisture to keep your shoes dry and light.
Our team also had a lot of positive feedback on the Trabuco Max’s overall fit. The shoe fits snug and secure through the heel and midfoot to reduce any excess movement, while the tapered yet spacious toe box ensures there’s plenty of room for toes to splay out when you’re out on the trails.
GUIDESOLE Geometry
High stack shoes like the Trabuco Max can often feel too stiff and inflexible, which results in hard and uncomfortable landings throughout the gait cycle.
The Trabuco Max avoids this rigid feeling by incorporating pronounced GUIDESOLE technology. This curved rocker sole helps guide you through each stride, reducing ankle flexion and keeping turnovers feeling smooth and effortless.
Other elements of the shoe’s geometry also work with this GUIDESOLE design to improve your running or walking experience out on trails. There’s a low 5 mm offset between the heel and toe, which helps your feet stay in a natural position. There are also reinforced sidewalls and a wide base for extra stability.
Sustainability
Asics has some bold goals when it comes to sustainability. The brand wants to reduce CO₂ emissions and use 100% recycled polyester and renewable energy by 2030. By 2050, it wants net-zero emissions.
The Trabuco Max 5 takes big steps towards these sustainability goals with an eco-conscious design that reduces waste and the brand’s carbon footprint. The upper is made from recycled materials, and the dope dying process used in the sockliner helps reduce water waste throughout manufacturing. The midsole is even made of bio-based materials to help reduce this shoe model’s carbon footprint even more.
Trail Testing and Real-Time User Feedback
Our review team is spread throughout New England, so we’re lucky enough to be able to explore a vast range of trails. While some members traversed through Pawtuckaway State Park in New Hampshire on the Marathon Sports trail field trip, others explored a range of packed dirt and more technical trails to see how the Asics Trabuco Max 5 held up over hikes and runs.
The general consensus among our review team members and athletes at the trail demo was that versatility was the Trabuco Max 5’s true standout feature. The ASICSGRIP outsole provided lots of confidence with each step. While maneuvering roots and rocks, the grippy outsole had fantastic traction.
And when it came to gravel or packed dirt paths, the outsole was just as effective. The 3.5 mm lugs were minimal enough to provide grip on these less technical terrains without feeling too stiff or aggressive. So no matter where your outdoor adventures take you, the Trabuco Max 5 will keep you feeling safe and secure.
The Trabuco Max’s stack height is relatively high for a trail shoe, with a 38.5/33.5 mm stack height for men’s shoes and 37.5mm/32.5 mm stack height for women’s. When it comes to trails, some runners or hikers may prefer something a bit closer to the ground to improve groundfeel and stability while reducing bulk.
But while the high platform might be a drawback for some runners, anyone who wants a comfortable and cushioned trail shoe will likely enjoy the Trabuco Max 5’s heavy duty cushioning and design. The FF Blast Plus foam did a great job of absorbing impact while protecting feet from debris on trails. It may not be the lightest or sleekest shoe on the market, but if the priority is comfort over speed, the Trabuco Max is a great option.
Our review team members were also big fans of the upgrades Asics made to the upper. The jacquard mesh is lightweight and breathable, with cushioning around the heel and tongue. And one of the best parts? The water repellent fibers in the mesh did a great job of fending off mud and water to keep feet dry and comfortable out on the trails.
Trabuco Max 5 Pros and Cons
While we wish there was a one-size-fits-all trail shoe for everyone out there, the truth is that every runner has their own unique needs and preferences and there isn’t a single shoe that works for every hiker or trail runner.
Here are a few pros and cons to consider if you’re debating whether the Trabuco Max 5 could be the right fit for you.
Pros
- High stack of FF Blast PLUS foam ensures a plush, comfortable ride with plenty of protection and impact absorption during long treks or trail runs
- ASICSGRIP outsole is flexible and adaptable to a wide variety of terrains. Enjoy plenty of grip on slippery or technical terrain without sacrificing comfort on gravel or packed trails
- Curved GUIDESOLE geometry helps guide you forward and drives smooth transitions over long runs
- Breathable jacquard mesh upper repels and drains water for more comfort in wet conditions
- Made with sustainable, bio-based materials to reduce carbon footprint
Cons
- Relatively heavy compared to some other trail shoes, limiting its versatility
- High platform may feel too unstable or wobbly for those who prefer to feel the ground during hikes or trail runs
Comparable Trail Shoes to Consider
The Trabuco Max 5 is one of the top options out there if you’re looking for a well-cushioned and versatile trail shoe. However, it’s not the only shoe model worth considering when you’re shopping around for your next trail running or hiking shoe.
The upper is soft and accommodating, but the shoe does taper off a bit in the toe box, which may feel a bit too narrow for runners or walkers who need a more spacious fit. Like the Trabuco Max, the Ultraventure boasts plush cushioning and versatile lugs that can handle any terrain. They have similar pros and cons, but the Topo Ultraventure has an anatomical toe box that works well for anyone who needs or prefers a roomy forefoot.
The Hoka Speedgoat is another fantastic option for trail running or hiking. It has slightly less cushioning than the Trabuco Max, but with that, also offers a lighter, more low-profile design. The Vibram outsole with 5 mm lugs is also more aggressive than the Trabuco Max 5’s ASICSGRIP outsole. This makes the shoe less versatile overall and more geared towards technical trails compared to the Trabuco Max.
Overall, the right trail shoe for you will depend on your usual terrain, foot shape, and your general needs and preferences when it comes to cushioning and comfort. No shoe is perfect for everyone, so we suggest trying on the Trabuco Max and some of the other top trail shoes on the market to find the best choice for you.
Try the Trabuco Max 5 and More at Marathon Sports
Running or trekking through trails is one of the best ways to get outside and explore the great outdoors. But when you’re on more technical terrain, you need a shoe that can provide effective grip, traction, and durability.
No matter where your offroad runs take you, the Trabuco Max 5 is a great choice for versatility, cushioning, and protection. The lugs are versatile and not too aggressive, and the cushioning and rocker design help reduce pressure and keep you moving forward in comfort.
The Trabuco Max 5 isn’t the lightest or fastest shoe around. If you’re looking for speed and propulsion out on the trails, it might not be the best choice for you. But if you want maximum comfort throughout long days on your feet, you can’t go wrong with this Asics trail shoe.
Swing by your nearest Marathon Sports today to try on the Trabuco Max 5 and some of the other best trail shoes around today.
Want an insider’s first look at some other trail shoes, apparel, accessories, and more? Keep an eye out for more of our trail running field trips. You can demo trail shoes and provide feedback on some of these new products, all while exploring scenic trails and meeting other trail runners. And you never know – you might even find the perfect trail running shoe for you.
